Because I have a pinched nerve in my neck, my workout routine has changed a lot. I have to focus more on the lower body and take it really easy when working my upper body so my neck doesn't flare up more than it is. I decided to give the The Step Workout System a try since it works the lower body and has cardio benefits. I think the system is effective but even the beginner workout is hard to follow for a beginning stepper such as myself.

In the Box

You get a big box containing an 11"x25" teal colored step platform that is made of lightweight but sturdy polyethylene. Then you get a total of four smaller purple blocks to stack (one or two on each side). The platform is 4" alone and the blocks stack to either 6" or 8" depending on the height and difficulty you prefer. The smaller blocks stack and they snap into the bottom of the long platform so it is stable and the platform stays put. The blocks have little nonslip feet as does the longer platform. You can chose to just use the platform alone or add one set of blocks or both. 

Also in the box is a 45 minute DVD featuring the incredibly ripped and toned Cathe Friedrich called "Basic Step". There are three workouts on the DVD - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. ALL of them are hard to follow but I am not an experienced stepper and couldn't even follow Wii Sports' little stepping game.

My Experience

I still use my Air Climber every day and it works amazingly well but it's just not that challenging anymore. I run the stairs in my house and that gets my heart rate UP but but is super boring. I figured The Step Workout System would add a challenge and maybe a little fun to my lower body workout and give me some cardio benefits.

The platform is a lot smaller than i thought it would be. It is NOT like the ones in a gym. The weight capacity is 200 pounds and I do trust that it could hold that much but the fear is that taller people or people who may not be super coordinated could easily fall off the side of the stepper if they're not paying strict attention to where they place their feet. I am 5'5" and I have often stepped on the end of the platform, nearly twisting an ankle. I just had to get used to the small size of the platform.

The DVD, as I mentioned, has three workouts. Cathe Friedrich is well known as a very tough instructor. I have some of her weight lifting DVDs and she basically tries to kill me and doesN't care that I am dying so I didn't expect these workouts to be easy. And they aren't.

Even the beginner's workout has some complicated and fast paced steps and turns that are tough to follow. I am used to dance workouts and also used to not being able to follow steps so I wasn't that put off by the fact that I was flailing around trying to get my feet where they should be and keep up the pace.

Still, I would have preferred that the beginner's workout go slow, show the many different types of steps and build to a  faster pace rather than launch into a frenzy. The tougher workouts are...tougher!

I usually do the beginner or intermediate workout and do the best I can. I am stepping and I am definitely getting my heart rate up, no doubt about that. Am I doing it RIGHT? Nah. I am always a bunch of steps behind and free-styling. Still, I do feel I am getting exercise that I need it and my neck and spine aren't compromised unless I chose to use hand weights which I do not. You can though if you want to work the upper body as you step. I also avoid high impact jumps so I don't jar my spine.

There's nothing fancy about the workouts and you may enjoy another step workout better. I am looking for one that is more fun and less drill sergeant-like. I love Cathe as a drill Sergeant when it comes to weights and such but I would prefer to just have fun while stepping and not try to swivel, turn, jump, and do choreography that I can't keep up with. I know others love the workouts so please don't let me away you against buying The Step Workout System. If you like to step, the DVD may be all you need. If you want, you can mix it up with other workouts designed for stepping.

When I am done, I can put the pieces back in the box of keep the platform and risers together and store it that way. I always use both risers so I generally keep the stepper in one piece and store it with my other exercise stuff.

So far, I only have noted that the stepper moves just a bit when doing a lot of crazy stepping but it hasn't slid around or caused bug issues. It doesn't mark the floor and it works OK on the rug as well. If you're closing in on 200 pounds, proceed with caution until you're sure the weight of you stepping and jumping around doesn't cause the platform to break or weaken.

In all, I do feel I benefit from this program but I will be happier when I find a few step DVDs that I truly enjoy. I wish the platform were a bit bigger but I suppose it's made to save space. 

Buying Info

You can purchase The Step Workout System at mass-market stores and some exercise stores on and offline. The price varies but I got mine at WalMart for around $47.00.

The Verdict

If you're an experienced stepper, you will note that the platform with the The Step Workout System is not like the one at your gym. It's a lot smaller. But you will probably be able to follow Cathe's workouts. If you're like me and haven't done step workouts since the 80's, you may find even the beginner workout too frenzied. You can pick up a few easier (and more enjoyable) DVDs to use on the stepper to slowly get you into the groove. That's what I'm going to do. I like the system but am kind of disappointed that there isn't a small teaching segment or something for those of us who aren't already experts at stepping. 3 stars for me but recommended.

Recommended: Yes